On the basis of all these fractures tell me common physiotherapy management for all of them and if there is any difference in any of the fracture mention under that phase
| Fracture | Special Consideration |
|---|---|
| Clavicle # | Figure-of-8 bandage or sling; shoulder retraction exercises allowed early; avoid shoulder elevation or forward flexion |
| Scapula # | Usually treated conservatively; arm sling used; ipsilateral shoulder and elbow active movements permitted early (by 1 week) since most are minimally displaced |
| Shoulder Dislocation | Sling immobilization 3-6 weeks; avoid external rotation and abduction (anterior dislocation) in Phase 1; isometrics only |
| Proximal Humerus # | Early physiotherapy within 1 week is recommended - Cochrane review evidence shows less pain without compromising long-term outcomes; begin pendular (Codman's) passive exercises early - Rosen's Emergency Medicine |
| Humeral Shaft # | U-slab or functional brace; shoulder and elbow ROM exercises begin 2-3 days post-ORIF; gravity-assisted pendular exercises - Rockwood & Green's Fractures in Adults |
| Supracondylar # | High-risk for Volkmann's ischemic contracture - neurovascular monitoring is PRIORITY; elbow kept in 90° flexion after reduction; only active finger and wrist movement initially; no passive elbow movement |
| Olecranon # | Posterior slab with elbow at 90°; gentle active finger/wrist exercises; avoid elbow extension against gravity early |
| Elbow Dislocation | After reduction, cast for 2-3 weeks; early active motion within 2-3 weeks is key to prevent stiffness; isometric biceps and triceps |
| Colles' Fracture | Dorsal slab/below-elbow cast; active shoulder and elbow exercises from day 1; active finger and thumb movements; elevation critical for edema |
| Monteggia / Galeazzi # | Both are fracture-dislocations needing ORIF in adults; immobilization stricter; DRUJ/PRUJ stability must be restored before PT begins; finger and shoulder exercises only |
| Scaphoid # | Thumb spica cast (can extend above elbow in proximal pole #); only finger and shoulder exercises; no wrist movement at all; prolonged immobilization (6-12 weeks) due to AVN risk |
| Rolando's # | Bennett's variant - thumb CMC involvement; thumb spica; opposition and IP joint exercises of other fingers allowed |
| Phalanges # | Buddy strapping or extension splint; active finger flexion and extension of non-involved fingers; IP joint exercises |
| Fracture | Special Consideration |
|---|---|
| Clavicle # | Shoulder girdle strengthening - trapezius, rhomboids, serratus anterior; protraction-retraction exercises; pendular exercises begin |
| Shoulder Dislocation | External rotation and horizontal abduction introduced carefully; rotator cuff strengthening (internal rotators first for anterior dislocation); proprioception training crucial to prevent recurrence |
| Proximal Humerus # | Progress from passive pendular to active-assisted with pulley; avoid aggressive passive stretching; risk of AVN - monitor |
| Humeral Shaft # | Radial nerve palsy (most common complication - injury at spiral groove); if present, cock-up splint + wrist/finger extension exercises; electrical stimulation (NMES) to extensors |
| Supracondylar # | MOST IMPORTANT: No passive forced elbow extension - risk of myositis ossificans; only active-assisted ROM; avoid heat in early Phase 2 |
| Olecranon # | Elbow flexion exercises (gravity-assisted), progressively increasing; extension strengthening (triceps) introduced later |
| Elbow Dislocation | Aggressive ROM at 4-6 weeks; dynamic elbow splint if stiffness persists; avoid forced passive stretching (myositis ossificans risk) |
| Colles' Fracture | Focus on wrist flexion-extension, forearm pronation-supination, radial-ulnar deviation; DRUJ mobility; grip strengthening with putty; common complication - CRPS (monitor for it) |
| Monteggia # | Supination must be emphasized (PRUJ involvement); check radioulnar joint mobility at each session |
| Galeazzi # | Pronation/supination key (DRUJ involvement); progress forearm rotation carefully |
| Scaphoid # | Wrist flexion-extension, radial-ulnar deviation begin gently; grip strengthening; monitor for AVN (pain with activity, dorsal wrist tenderness) |
| Rolando's / Phalanges # | Opposition training, pinch grip, fine motor activities; splinting if intrinsic tightness develops |
| Fracture | Special Consideration |
|---|---|
| Shoulder Dislocation | Sport-specific proprioception, rotator cuff endurance; recurrence prevention program; Bankart lesion patients need longer Phase 3 (3-6 months) |
| Proximal Humerus # | Full overhead strength; rotator cuff progressive strengthening; return to sports 4-6 months |
| Humeral Shaft # with radial nerve palsy | If nerve recovery is present, progress wrist and finger extensors; hand therapy for intrinsic-extrinsic balance |
| Supracondylar # | Do NOT use heat modalities or vigorous passive stretching even in Phase 3 if myositis ossificans is suspected (X-ray confirmation first); final goal - full elbow extension and flexion |
| Colles' Fracture | Grip and pinch strength restoration; functional activities (writing, typing, cooking); watch for late CRPS |
| Scaphoid # | Prolonged - union can take up to 3-4 months; grip and wrist strength; avoidance of extreme wrist loading until healed |
| Phalanges # | Fine motor training, handwriting, musical instruments; joint mobilization for PIP/DIP stiffness |
| Condition | Phase 1 Highlight | Phase 2 Highlight | Phase 3 Highlight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Supracondylar # | NV monitoring, Volkmann's watch | NO passive forced extension, NO heat | Still no forced passive stretching |
| Shoulder Dislocation | Restrict ER + ABD | Proprioception begins | Recurrence prevention program |
| Humeral Shaft # | Start physio 2-3 days post-ORIF | Radial nerve palsy management | NMES if nerve recovery |
| Scaphoid # | Thumb spica, no wrist movement | Late to mobilize wrist (6+ weeks) | Prolonged - AVN monitoring |
| Colles' # | Shoulder/elbow/finger free from day 1 | DRUJ + CRPS watch | Grip/pinch restoration |
| Monteggia # | Supination correction priority | PRUJ mobility | Forearm rotation strengthening |
| Olecranon # | No elbow extension against gravity | Triceps later, flexion first | Full elbow functional strength |
Note: The supracondylar fracture in children and Colles' fracture in the elderly are the two fractures that most commonly appear in physiotherapy examinations with distinct management rules. Always remember: no passive forced movement at the elbow (myositis ossificans risk) and early finger movements for Colles' are high-yield points.